South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory. It is administered by a commissioner, based in the Falkland Islands.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Government of South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands.
\n\nTo enter South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, plus an additional 4 weeks from the end date of your Entry Permit.
\n\nSee ‘Entry Permits’ below for more information about the requirement to have an Entry Permit for visiting South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nAll persons (unless otherwise exempted) entering South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for work or visitor purposes need an Entry Permit.
\n\nApplications must be made through the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Entry Control Portal.
\n\nApplications can be made by an individual, or multiple applications can be made on behalf of a number of persons by an authorised person such as a travel agent, cruise ship operator or family member. Separate applications are needed for visitor and work permits.
\n\nBefore applying, check whether your agent, such as your tour operator, intends to apply on your behalf for your visit.
\n\nApplications should be received and paid for 14 days prior to the first intended date of arrival in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Late applications will only be considered in specific circumstances, and no applications will be granted for permits within 4 days of arrival.
\n\nVisitor Entry Permits are 30 days in length.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid Entry Permit and the travel document associated with that permit.
\n\nSee visiting South Georgia guide for information on permit fees.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThere is no history of crime in the territory. The islands have no indigenous population, and the only residents are employees of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the British Antarctic Survey and the South Georgia Heritage Trust.
\n\nThere are unexploded weapons on the islands. If you come across a weapon:
\n\nSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws. It is administered by a commissioner, based in the Falkland Islands.
\n\nThe Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands maintains a staffed office at King Edward Point on South Georgia.
\n\nSame-sex marriage is legal in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nBiosecurity measures are in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands from invasive species. Follow the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands’ biosecurity protocols while on the islands. If you fail to do so, you could get a fine or a prison sentence.
\n\nAccess is prohibited to all historic buildings at the former whaling stations of Prince Olav Harbour, Leith Harbour, Stromness and Husvik on South Georgia. This is due to the buildings being in a dangerous state of disrepair or because of asbestos. Wind-blown debris including asbestos dust is a significant health risk.
\n\nYou are prohibited from entering or approaching within 200 metres of the former whaling stations, unless directed otherwise by the Commissioner’s Office or the Government Officer at King Edward Point.
\n\nYou can only travel to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands by sea. There are no scheduled services other than those provided by cruise ships, yachts, or expedition companies. There are no roads on any of the islands.
\n\nThe conditions and terrain on the islands are harsh. The interior is not fully mapped, and nearby waters are not always accurately or completely charted.
\n\nFor organised travel, consider using a tour operator that belongs to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Its members sign up to the codes of practice on operational and environmental safety and often have access to more of the islands.
\n\nCruise vessels operators must have adequate insurance arrangements to cover liability. Permission for visits by cruise vessels is granted on this basis.
\n\nThere are risks posed by the harsh climatic conditions, with changeable and unpredictable storms throughout the year which may affect your plans. Frequent storms and the lack of sheltered anchorages may make landing on the islands very difficult. In winter the South Sandwich Islands may be surrounded by pack ice.
\n\nBefore you land, consider taking sensible precautions by:
\n\nBefore you travel make sure you have appropriate travel insurance. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover unexpected medical evacuation.
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nThere are no search and rescue or other emergency services on the islands. The Falkland Islands and South America have the nearest medical facilities and are approximately 3 to 5 days sail away respectively. There’s no independent transport between South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the Falkland Islands or South America.
\n\nBefore you book:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory. It is administered by a commissioner in the Falkland Islands.
\n\nIn an emergency, the Government Officer can provide basic assistance but they and the Commissioner’s Office cannot issue replacement passports.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFor help or advice, talk to your tour operator or expedition leader.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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